Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural disasters, and in regions like the Pacific Northwest and California, the risk is ever-present. The looming threat of the “Big One” — a magnitude 9.0 earthquake along the Cascadia subduction zone — is a major concern for cities like Tacoma, Washington, where experts warn of catastrophic damage. However, Los Angeles, situated along the San Andreas Fault, faces a similarly serious seismic threat. For property owners in both regions, seismic retrofitting is a vital measure in protecting lives, reducing damage, and ensuring quicker recovery in the event of a major earthquake.
Understanding the Risks
A recent article about Tacoma’s vulnerability to a massive earthquake highlights the staggering potential for loss. Scientists predict that a 9.0 Cascadia earthquake could result in over $1 billion in damage, causing landslides, destroying buildings, and cutting off utilities like power and water. Thousands of lives could be affected, and recovery efforts would be extensive and slow. In Tacoma, the liquefaction of soil — where intense shaking causes the ground to behave like quicksand — further elevates the risk of structural collapse.
Similarly, Los Angeles faces its own seismic risks. With its dense population, sprawling infrastructure, and many older buildings, a major earthquake along the San Andreas Fault could have devastating consequences. The 1994 Northridge earthquake, which measured 6.7 on the Richter scale, caused over $40 billion in damage and led to significant loss of life. A larger earthquake could spell far worse outcomes, making seismic retrofitting an essential measure for property owners in the region.
What Is Seismic Retrofitting?
Seismic retrofitting involves strengthening a building’s structure to better withstand the forces of an earthquake. This can include reinforcing the foundation, adding bracing or shear walls, securing chimneys and roofs, and anchoring components of the building to prevent collapse. Retrofitting is particularly important for older buildings, which were not constructed with modern seismic standards in mind.
In Los Angeles, many buildings constructed before 1978 are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage. Soft-story buildings, for instance, are common in the area — these structures have open parking or commercial spaces on the ground level, which makes them prone to collapse in an earthquake. Through seismic retrofitting, these vulnerable buildings can be reinforced to ensure they don’t crumble when the ground shakes.
Why Retrofitting Matters
Both Tacoma and Los Angeles face inevitable large-scale earthquakes, making retrofitting a critical safeguard. While retrofitting may seem like a significant financial investment, the cost is far outweighed by the potential losses — both in terms of property and human lives. In the case of the Northridge earthquake, retrofitted buildings fared significantly better than those that were not, underscoring the life-saving benefits of retrofitting.
In Los Angeles, the city has taken action by mandating retrofitting for certain types of vulnerable buildings, including soft-story and non-ductile concrete buildings. By prioritizing retrofitting, Los Angeles aims to reduce the catastrophic impact of future earthquakes, protecting both its residents and its economy. For property owners, retrofitting not only enhances safety but also increases the value of their buildings, ensuring they are better prepared for the inevitable seismic activity.
Taking Action
For property owners in earthquake-prone areas like Tacoma and Los Angeles, seismic retrofitting is a vital investment in safety and resilience. Whether you own a home, business, or apartment complex, retrofitting your property can make a huge difference when disaster strikes. With National Preparedness Month and International ShakeOut Day coming up, this is the perfect time to assess your building’s vulnerability and explore retrofitting options.
By taking proactive steps like seismic retrofitting, we can help safeguard our communities, minimize damage, and protect lives when the “Big One” hits. Don’t wait until it’s too late — start preparing today.
Source: The News Tribune, “How worried should Tacoma be about the ‘Big One,’ the looming M-9.0 Cascadia earthquake?”
About Optimum Seismic, Inc.
The Optimum Seismic team has been making California cities safer since 1984 by providing full-service earthquake engineering, steel fabrication and construction services for multifamily residential, commercial and industrial buildings. With more than 4,000 earthquake retrofit and renovation projects completed, Optimum Seismic’s work includes soft-story multifamily apartments, tilt-up, non-ductile concrete, steel moment frame and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. To arrange a complimentary assessment of your building’s earthquake resilience, contact Optimum Seismic at (833) 978-7664 or visit optimumseismic.com.
